A SITE dedicated to fallen war heroes is to be refurbished after kind-hearted villagers raised more than £1,700.

Volunteers at the Neilston War Memorial Association (NWMA), who oversee the maintenance of the monument, built in honour of hundreds of men killed in the two world wars, were delighted to receive the windfall.

Andree Young, of Hartfield Crescent, Neilston, raised the cash by orchestrating a special event at the village’s Travellers Rest last month.

Supporters turned out in force for a night of auctions, singing and dancing.

And bosses at the Tesco store in Barrhead, where Andree works as a customer service manager, donated various goods to boost the coffers further.

Matt Drennan, NWMA secretary, has thanked all those who supported the fundraising drive.

He said: “I am stunned by the generosity of the community – £1,700 is an outstanding amount to raise from this small village.

“Couple this with the fact I had raised over £1,500 to plant up the gardens in June from generous donations from the villagers.

“The money will go towards getting the memorial cleaned and some winter bulbs and such planted in the grounds.

“Andree said this was to be her last fundraiser for a few years but she is now collecting donations for a war veterans charity.

“This is her 10th year arranging a local charity fundraiser.”

Matt also told how a visit from English relatives of a trio of soldiers added further significance to the event at the Travellers Rest.

He added: “I was shocked on the night when two ladies who are related to three Laird brothers from Neilston, who died in the First World War, walked into the hall.

“The local community donated numerous gifts for the raffle and we were supported by lots of local companies who donated goods and services.

“The support to commemorate our local soldiers and to look after the memorial site is relentless and overwhelming.”

Ipsoregulated

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